Recently, I had the great misfortune of going to an official dealer to get something done. It was an occasion neither I nor they wanted. The exact details are not for discussion, but it had nothing to do with anything under the car. They did inspect the wheels, which implies they accessed the car’s under side. I steeled myself for a write off beforehand. Even so, I still hope to escape this fate. The car now has a metallic ticking/clicking/flapping noise. Since I don't drive very much, I have a very good handle on when something starts to happen. I am 500% sure this issue was not present before that visit.
The noise appears to be intermittent, but could be continuous. The noise is audible when the car passes other cars (moving or static) or walls. The sound bounces off other surfaces into the cabin when the windows are open. When the windows are closed, I am not hearing anything. The noise appears to be towards the rear of the car when in 2nd (higher rev) or higher gear. There is no noise when in 1st or 2nd (lower rev) gear. The noise appears to correlate with the pulses of exhaust gas. Equally, it appears to be a protrusion on a rotating part knocking against something: say the prop shaft against heatshield or wheel spoke/axle against something.
I understand CV joints would click when worn. The car has 2 rear half-shafts and the prop shaft with CV joints on them. The half shafts were casually inspected, showing no noticeable wet patch of leaked grease to indicate broken boot. I don't yet have access to the prop shaft to inspect that. The end of exhaust has a vacuum operated flap that could theoretically make noise but never noted to make noise before. I also understand the gearbox could tick if broken. But, I have no shift and slip problems, yet. A broken engine, gearbox, or rear differential will spell the end for the car.
My first task is to pinpoint the noise, and a portable recorder will be used. Advise on tips and tricks for all aspects of this diagnosis and repair are welcomed. Be warned, though, this is going to be a very slow thread given the difficulty in accessing the full underside of the car. A 4 post lift system is yet to be developed. I don’t have ground suitable for jack stands, nor would I trust jack stands as the primary support in any case. So modern youngsters and old geezers should avoid the thread if they need instant gratifications.
The noise appears to be intermittent, but could be continuous. The noise is audible when the car passes other cars (moving or static) or walls. The sound bounces off other surfaces into the cabin when the windows are open. When the windows are closed, I am not hearing anything. The noise appears to be towards the rear of the car when in 2nd (higher rev) or higher gear. There is no noise when in 1st or 2nd (lower rev) gear. The noise appears to correlate with the pulses of exhaust gas. Equally, it appears to be a protrusion on a rotating part knocking against something: say the prop shaft against heatshield or wheel spoke/axle against something.
I understand CV joints would click when worn. The car has 2 rear half-shafts and the prop shaft with CV joints on them. The half shafts were casually inspected, showing no noticeable wet patch of leaked grease to indicate broken boot. I don't yet have access to the prop shaft to inspect that. The end of exhaust has a vacuum operated flap that could theoretically make noise but never noted to make noise before. I also understand the gearbox could tick if broken. But, I have no shift and slip problems, yet. A broken engine, gearbox, or rear differential will spell the end for the car.
My first task is to pinpoint the noise, and a portable recorder will be used. Advise on tips and tricks for all aspects of this diagnosis and repair are welcomed. Be warned, though, this is going to be a very slow thread given the difficulty in accessing the full underside of the car. A 4 post lift system is yet to be developed. I don’t have ground suitable for jack stands, nor would I trust jack stands as the primary support in any case. So modern youngsters and old geezers should avoid the thread if they need instant gratifications.
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